A stroke of genius by whoever had this idea, bringing one of rap music’s greatest pioneers into direct contact with one of today’s most exciting new producers. It’s fascinating to hear this record off the back of the original album, too – for where Gil Scott-Heron was brooding and thoughtful, Jamie Smith has brought him across the water and into the confines of an East London club. Some of the songs – I’ll Take Care Of U and Ur Soul And Mine – take him up tempo, with soulful overtones in the former and snatches of Rui Da Silva’s ‘Touch Me’ in the latter. Other moments are more soporific, especially the gorgeous twilight musings of ‘My Cloud’ and ‘The Crutch’. Most remix albums are hit and miss, but this one is clearly a labour of love, enchanting from start to finish and a feather in the cap of both artists. Which, in Gil’s case especially, is no mean feat.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
